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Original Fic- Change of Plans
Thought I'd finally get around to posting second part to this....of course it doesn't mean I've written anymore of it....yet....it's in the file of "to do stuff" in my brain...right now RC speaking louder in that department...so...link to first part at bottom of this..just in case you feel like reading and feeding my ego..hehe
Change of Plans Pt1
Author: elfcat255
Title: Change of Plans pt2
pairing: there will be one ..eventually
disclaimer: just borrowed my fav warrior and bard for their good looks only..this is so not them!
The sound of an alarm clock blaring woke Sam up from a restless sleep. Reaching across the pillows, she fumbled with the clock finally managing to turn it off. With a tired groan, she lay in bed trying to wake up.
‘Ugh…maybe I can skip my morning run.’ she thought, ‘I didn’t get enough sleep.’
True she had stayed up later than normal talking with Kathryn by the pool, but it was not that late when she had finally gone to bed. She could barely remember a strange dream and lots of tossing and turning, definitely not a good night’s sleep.
“Oh well…I’m awake now, might as well get up.” she said to herself, “maybe a shower will knock the cobwebs out of my head.”
Shoving the covers back, she got up from bed and shuffled to the bathroom. Turning on the hot water, she let it build up some steam before she added cold to it. Stepping into the shower she stood under the water letting it pound into her head and shoulders. Standing there under the water, she began to think about her dream.
‘Hmmm…now why would I have been dreaming about Kathryn? Sure we hit it off really well, it was more like we were old friends who had met again then strangers meeting for the first time.’
She replayed what parts of the dream she could remember; realizing a large part of it had revolved around Kathryn. The way her eyes shined when she laughed or how it felt when she reached over and touched Sam’s arm and the sight of Kathryn diving from the board into the pool…’Whoa!…time to get out of here. I think I am making myself hotter standing here and thinking about this. No wonder I tossed and turned so much. Was my subconscious trying to tell me something? Am I attracted to Kathryn?’
Shaking her head and mumbling to herself, she turned off the shower and grabbed a towel. ‘How could she be attracted to Kathryn? She had never felt an attraction towards a woman before. Oh dear…maybe I should go for a run now, maybe I can work all this out while I do that.’
Putting on a sports bra and some shorts, she grabbed a long-sleeve jersey from the pile of clean clothes; it was a bit chilly out there until the sun came up. Searching for her running shoes, which she found hiding under the bed, she put them on and stood up. Picking up her backpack from the floor, she grabbed her keys and went out the door, her brain working on overload from her thoughts of Kathryn.
Meanwhile in the room next door almost the same thing was occurring. Reaching over Kathryn picked up her alarm clock and threw it across the room.
Hearing the sound of plastic breaking Kathryn grinned,"Time for a new clock."
Standing up, she stretched trying to get her blood flowing. “Why do I feel like I haven’t slept at all?” she asked herself as she stretched. Noticing that the sun had still not risen, she decided to go for her usual run. No matter where she was, she liked to keep the habit of her morning run. It made things normal, and it wasn’t good to break habits, especially ones meant to keep her in shape.
Rummaging through her bag, she found her running gear, a sports bra and a pair of Lycra shorts. Dressing in them, she went to the bathroom where she brushed her teeth and hair, putting it in a loose braid to keep it out of her way. Returning to the bed she sat down and began pulling on her shoes. As she was lacing them up, thoughts of last night began to replay through her head. She thought it was strange that she had let her guard down and had actually been laughing and joking with Sam; hell, she had been flirting. ‘Why had I done that? She is not even gay. However, for some reason it just felt right to flirt with the blonde woman,’ Kathryn thought as she finished with her shoes.
“Okay Kat, get a grip…go run, that always helps you think,” she said out loud as she grabbed her camera bag from the floor. Removing her 35mm and its lenses, she found one of her small digital cameras in the bottom.
“Ah ha…that’s where you were hiding,” she said as she took out the small fanny pack she used when running. ”Might as well get some shots while I exercise.” As she walked towards the door she picked up her keys and a lightweight jacket, putting it on she walked out into the morning darkness.
*****************************************************
As Sam was locking her door, Kathryn walked out of her room.
Looking over at the tall brunette, Sam smiled and spoke, “Well…good morning, going out for some exercise?”
“No… I just like getting up at the crack of dawn for the hell of it,” Kathryn replied sarcastically.
“Oh…somebody woke up a bit cranky this morning,” Sam said with a laugh.
“Nah…my brain just isn’t quite awake yet. My body knows the routine to well, but it still takes me awhile to be civil. Just ignore the sarcasm,” Kathryn replied as she noticed what Sam was wearing. “Are you going for a run or do you just like wandering around in the pre-dawn hours scantily clad?” she asked the blonde-haired woman.
Pulling on her jersey, Sam gave a small chuckle at the remark, “Better?” she grinned. “And to answer your question; yes, I’m going for a run as well. Would you like to join me?”
“Sure…if you don’t mind the company.” Kathryn answered.
“Okay then, I’ll let you set the pace.” Glancing down at Kathryn’s long legs, Sam quickly changed her mind. “On second thought, I’ll set the pace. You’re liable to run me to death with those legs,” she said to the tall woman.
“Okay…I’ll tag along behind you like a good freak of nature,” Kathryn replied with a laugh.
Both women began stretching and warming up, each lost in their own thoughts.
‘Okay…so I was going to run and try to figure out all these thoughts I’m having about Kathryn, but here I am going to be running with her. This could be very interesting,’ thought Sam as she warmed up. Little did she know that Kathryn was thinking the same thoughts.
Stretching her legs Kathryn carried on a silent conversation with herself, ‘Alright…it’s just a friendly run. No big deal. So much for trying to gather my thoughts this morning.’ Watching Sam stretch she thought, ‘yeah…no big deal…I’m just going to be jogging behind that beautiful body. Down girl! She’s straight for Pete’s sake! Well at least I can enjoy her company….’ before Kathryn could finish her thought, Sam spoke up.
“Are you all warmed up and ready to go?” Sam asked.
“Sure…you lead and I shall follow,” Kathryn answered with a grin.
“Alright ‘Legs’, let’s see if you can keep up. I may not have your stride but I can cover lots of distance with these short legs,” Sam replied as she jogged off into the growing morning light.
Kathryn just shook her head at the remark; taking off and catching up with Sam, she made a suggestion. “How about you lead going out, and I’ll lead coming back?” she asked as they followed a trail leading away from the complex. “That way I can learn the route…okay?”
Sam just laughed and sped up. “Come on, slowpoke,” came the reply from her.
‘I guess that was a yes,’ Kathryn thought. “I hope you know where you’re going because all I can see is your back,” she mumbled to herself.
“Don’t worry…I know it pretty well, besides the sun will be up soon.”
‘Damn she’s got good ears,’ thought Kathryn as she followed a few strides behind the blonde.
As the morning light increased Sam began paying closer attention to the trail and tried to avoid the reason for the whole idea of running this morning. It was kind of hard when the focus of those thoughts was running just a few paces behind her. ‘Just run Sam…you’ll figure out all the other stuff later,’ she told herself.
‘Uh oh…something’s not right here.’ she thought.The trail was beginning to become uneven. It had not been like this the last time she ran it. Noticing the ruts were getting larger, she slowed a bit.
“Oh crap!” she yelled out, coming to a complete stop and bracing herself. Kathryn wasn’t paying attention and slammed into her back. Spinning around, Sam caught her before she fell to the ground.
“Hey what’s up with the sudden stopping?” Kathryn asked as she gathered her wits and breath.
“Umm…I didn’t feel like breaking a leg,” Sam said as she pointed to the ground two feet in front of her.
Kathryn looked to where she was pointing and saw that the trail in front of them had washed out, leaving a very large and deep rut in the ground. “Whoa…good save,” she said, still trying to recover from the near fall.
“I’m sorry about the quick stop; I haven’t been on this trail since the last rain. It must have happened during it. I knew the trail felt different somehow,” Sam said with a shrug of her shoulders.
“Okay let’s walk over this part,” Kathryn said as she started down into the washout. “You must run this way a lot if the trail felt different to you,” she asked as they negotiated the washout.
“Well, I really don’t have much else to do; besides, it’s the time I use to contemplate the universe and whatnot,” Sam said with a grin to Kathryn.
“Well thanks for the save and for letting me tag along,” Kathryn replied.
“No problem; if we hurry up, we can reach my favorite spot. It has a great view for the sunrise,” Sam remarked as she started running again.
Kathryn followed after her calling out, “Well, hustle then, woman; I’m trying not to step on you as it is,” she said with a laugh.
The sound of returning laughter was heard from ahead of her and when she glanced up, she realized Sam had picked up the pace to a sprint and was leaving her behind. ‘What is she…part deer?’ she thought as she increased her pace to catch up with the blonde.
Sam had put quite a bit of distance between them, But she made sure not to let Kathryn trail to far behind. They continued for a while, when they came to a small incline Sam slowed to a stop at the top of it and waited for Kathryn to catch up. The top of the hill had a great view of the valley ahead of them especially with the first rays of the morning sun appearing from above the horizon.
“Did you bring a camera with you?” she asked as Kathryn came to a stop beside her.
“Duh…it’s what I do. I’m actually thinking of having one attached permanently to my hand, you know like Captain Hook.” She laughed as she pulled out her digital from her pack.
Sam burst out laughing at the comment. “Oh you’re just too funny,” she said as she walked over to a nearby boulder and removed her backpack.
“I try…but it’s so hard sometimes,” Kathryn, said grinning at Sam. She turned around and began to take some shots of the valley. “This is a great view, I like it,” she commented as she continued taking pictures.
“Yes; this is the halfway point. I always stop here to watch the sunrise and take a breakfast break,” Sam said as she pulled out two bottles of water and a couple of granola bars from her pack; she then looked up to watch the brunette take pictures.
Kathryn panned the landscape a few more times, snapping off a few more shots. On the last pan she turned around and brought the boulder Sam was sitting on into the viewfinder. Quickly snapping a couple of shots of the blonde, she then walked over to sit with her.
“Came prepared, didn’t you?” she asked as she climbed up next to Sam.
“Granola…breakfast of champions,” Sam said, passing a bottle of water to Kathryn, “Want one of these too?” she asked, waving a granola bar in front of Kathryn.
“No thank you; water is fine. Food and running don’t mix well for me,” she replied. “Scoot over some; you’re hogging the rock,” she said, nudging Sam to make her move.
The women sat on the boulder watching the sunrise, drinking their water, and resting for a moment. Sam sat with her eyes closed enjoying the feel of the sunshine and trying to gather her thoughts. ‘I think this is the best day I have had in a long time. Maybe Kathryn would like to go visit the ruins that were nearby or maybe go for a hike?’ Sam just had the urge to spend as much time with Kathryn as she could.
Kathryn noticed Sam sitting with her eyes closed and took the opportunity to gaze at the woman. With the eye of a photographer, she noticed how the sunlight played across her features as a small breeze ruffled her short hair. Taking her camera out, she quickly brought it up and took a few shots of Sam; she could always print some out later and give her one of them. ‘Yeah…that’s a good excuse Kat,’ she thought. She wondered if Sam knew of any more locations she could get some good shots at. She was beginning to think about working on a book of landscapes and the area would be perfect for it. ‘Not to mention it would give you an excuse for hanging around longer, now wouldn’t it, Kat?’ With that thought, she let out a small laugh.
Hearing Kathryn laugh at something, Sam opened her eyes and found her gaze meeting Kathryn’s. “Enjoying the view?” she asked.
“Yes, actually; it’s one of the most beautiful I’ve seen in a long while,” Kathryn replied with a slight grin.
Sam blushed. “I bet you say that to all the pretty girls you meet.”
“Nope…just you,” Kathryn replied as she jumped down from the boulder. “So…you want to finish this run?” she asked, changing the subject quickly.
Sam looked down at her. “Yeah we need to be moving; it’s going to be getting warm soon now that the sun is up.” She picked up the water bottles and her wrappers and put them back in her pack; putting it on, she jumped down to join Kathryn on the ground. “Ready?” she asked.
“Lead on McDuff,” Kathryn replied with a flourish of her hand.
They continued down the trail with Sam in the lead; the width of the trail varied at times so Kathryn was content to follow behind at the pace Sam was setting. However, when the trail finally widened, she decided to come up even with her and they continued side by side. They began to play a game of sorts, sprinting ahead of one another, making the other catch up.
“The stopping point is up ahead at that big rock outcrop,” Sam said as she ran even with the taller woman. “Race ya!” she called out as she took off in a burst of speed.
Kathryn yelled in surprise and began running faster, trying to catch up to Sam. She caught up to her and paced evenly with the shorter woman for a few strides. She then began to lengthen her strides, passing the blonde; turning on the speed, the distance between them grew.
“Oh crap…she’s going to beat me,” Sam muttered as she tried to catch up.
Indeed, Kathryn did beat her to the outcropping, but just barely. Both women stood hunched over trying to catch their breaths. Sam pulled off her backpack and took out the water, handing one to Kathryn who just nodded her thanks. Sam stood and pulled her jersey over her head, tying it around her waist she took a few more swallows of water and then poured the rest over her head and shoulders.
“Ahhhh…that felt good,” she said grinning at Kathryn.
“Good idea you have there.” Kathryn remarked as she pulled her jacket off and proceeded to do the same with her water. Both women just stood there with wet heads and bodies grinning at each other.
“So…do we run back the same way?” Kathryn asked as she tied her jacket around her waist.
“We can or we can go up over that rise and run back along the roadway. It is a little shorter and it’s flat the whole way back. Which way do you want to go?” Sam asked as she repacked and adjusted her pack on her back.
“We can go the short way,” Kathryn replied. “All this running is making me hungry,” she said with a laugh.
“Alright…but you have to let me cook you breakfast. I make a pretty mean omelet and since I’m the only cook around for miles, you have no reason to say no,” Sam said to the brunette.
“Yes ma’am,” replied Kathryn with a little salute.
Laughing at each other, they began the run back. Reaching the blacktop road, they began running side by side again, each keeping pace with the other. Drawing closer to the motel complex, Kathryn suddenly yelled out, “Race ya!” and took off with a burst of speed.
Sam just growled and took off after her. Nearing the complex, Kathryn slowed down and let Sam pass her. She soon reached the motel office where the blonde was hunched over trying to catch her breath.
Taking a big breath Sam looked up at her, “You let me win!” she said, shaking a finger at Kathryn.
“Nope…you beat me fair and square,” the taller woman replied in between gulps of air.
“Sure I did,” Sam replied with a grin.
“Okay…I need to take a shower now,” Kathryn said, “Do you want to meet back here and then go eat?”
“No…just come on over to the bar when you get finished. I shower pretty fast, smaller body parts.” She laughed at the taller woman and took off to her room before Kathryn could react.
“Funny…real funny,” Kathryn said to herself as she went to her room to shower.
Change of Plans Pt1
Author: elfcat255
Title: Change of Plans pt2
pairing: there will be one ..eventually
disclaimer: just borrowed my fav warrior and bard for their good looks only..this is so not them!
The sound of an alarm clock blaring woke Sam up from a restless sleep. Reaching across the pillows, she fumbled with the clock finally managing to turn it off. With a tired groan, she lay in bed trying to wake up.
‘Ugh…maybe I can skip my morning run.’ she thought, ‘I didn’t get enough sleep.’
True she had stayed up later than normal talking with Kathryn by the pool, but it was not that late when she had finally gone to bed. She could barely remember a strange dream and lots of tossing and turning, definitely not a good night’s sleep.
“Oh well…I’m awake now, might as well get up.” she said to herself, “maybe a shower will knock the cobwebs out of my head.”
Shoving the covers back, she got up from bed and shuffled to the bathroom. Turning on the hot water, she let it build up some steam before she added cold to it. Stepping into the shower she stood under the water letting it pound into her head and shoulders. Standing there under the water, she began to think about her dream.
‘Hmmm…now why would I have been dreaming about Kathryn? Sure we hit it off really well, it was more like we were old friends who had met again then strangers meeting for the first time.’
She replayed what parts of the dream she could remember; realizing a large part of it had revolved around Kathryn. The way her eyes shined when she laughed or how it felt when she reached over and touched Sam’s arm and the sight of Kathryn diving from the board into the pool…’Whoa!…time to get out of here. I think I am making myself hotter standing here and thinking about this. No wonder I tossed and turned so much. Was my subconscious trying to tell me something? Am I attracted to Kathryn?’
Shaking her head and mumbling to herself, she turned off the shower and grabbed a towel. ‘How could she be attracted to Kathryn? She had never felt an attraction towards a woman before. Oh dear…maybe I should go for a run now, maybe I can work all this out while I do that.’
Putting on a sports bra and some shorts, she grabbed a long-sleeve jersey from the pile of clean clothes; it was a bit chilly out there until the sun came up. Searching for her running shoes, which she found hiding under the bed, she put them on and stood up. Picking up her backpack from the floor, she grabbed her keys and went out the door, her brain working on overload from her thoughts of Kathryn.
Meanwhile in the room next door almost the same thing was occurring. Reaching over Kathryn picked up her alarm clock and threw it across the room.
Hearing the sound of plastic breaking Kathryn grinned,"Time for a new clock."
Standing up, she stretched trying to get her blood flowing. “Why do I feel like I haven’t slept at all?” she asked herself as she stretched. Noticing that the sun had still not risen, she decided to go for her usual run. No matter where she was, she liked to keep the habit of her morning run. It made things normal, and it wasn’t good to break habits, especially ones meant to keep her in shape.
Rummaging through her bag, she found her running gear, a sports bra and a pair of Lycra shorts. Dressing in them, she went to the bathroom where she brushed her teeth and hair, putting it in a loose braid to keep it out of her way. Returning to the bed she sat down and began pulling on her shoes. As she was lacing them up, thoughts of last night began to replay through her head. She thought it was strange that she had let her guard down and had actually been laughing and joking with Sam; hell, she had been flirting. ‘Why had I done that? She is not even gay. However, for some reason it just felt right to flirt with the blonde woman,’ Kathryn thought as she finished with her shoes.
“Okay Kat, get a grip…go run, that always helps you think,” she said out loud as she grabbed her camera bag from the floor. Removing her 35mm and its lenses, she found one of her small digital cameras in the bottom.
“Ah ha…that’s where you were hiding,” she said as she took out the small fanny pack she used when running. ”Might as well get some shots while I exercise.” As she walked towards the door she picked up her keys and a lightweight jacket, putting it on she walked out into the morning darkness.
*****************************************************
As Sam was locking her door, Kathryn walked out of her room.
Looking over at the tall brunette, Sam smiled and spoke, “Well…good morning, going out for some exercise?”
“No… I just like getting up at the crack of dawn for the hell of it,” Kathryn replied sarcastically.
“Oh…somebody woke up a bit cranky this morning,” Sam said with a laugh.
“Nah…my brain just isn’t quite awake yet. My body knows the routine to well, but it still takes me awhile to be civil. Just ignore the sarcasm,” Kathryn replied as she noticed what Sam was wearing. “Are you going for a run or do you just like wandering around in the pre-dawn hours scantily clad?” she asked the blonde-haired woman.
Pulling on her jersey, Sam gave a small chuckle at the remark, “Better?” she grinned. “And to answer your question; yes, I’m going for a run as well. Would you like to join me?”
“Sure…if you don’t mind the company.” Kathryn answered.
“Okay then, I’ll let you set the pace.” Glancing down at Kathryn’s long legs, Sam quickly changed her mind. “On second thought, I’ll set the pace. You’re liable to run me to death with those legs,” she said to the tall woman.
“Okay…I’ll tag along behind you like a good freak of nature,” Kathryn replied with a laugh.
Both women began stretching and warming up, each lost in their own thoughts.
‘Okay…so I was going to run and try to figure out all these thoughts I’m having about Kathryn, but here I am going to be running with her. This could be very interesting,’ thought Sam as she warmed up. Little did she know that Kathryn was thinking the same thoughts.
Stretching her legs Kathryn carried on a silent conversation with herself, ‘Alright…it’s just a friendly run. No big deal. So much for trying to gather my thoughts this morning.’ Watching Sam stretch she thought, ‘yeah…no big deal…I’m just going to be jogging behind that beautiful body. Down girl! She’s straight for Pete’s sake! Well at least I can enjoy her company….’ before Kathryn could finish her thought, Sam spoke up.
“Are you all warmed up and ready to go?” Sam asked.
“Sure…you lead and I shall follow,” Kathryn answered with a grin.
“Alright ‘Legs’, let’s see if you can keep up. I may not have your stride but I can cover lots of distance with these short legs,” Sam replied as she jogged off into the growing morning light.
Kathryn just shook her head at the remark; taking off and catching up with Sam, she made a suggestion. “How about you lead going out, and I’ll lead coming back?” she asked as they followed a trail leading away from the complex. “That way I can learn the route…okay?”
Sam just laughed and sped up. “Come on, slowpoke,” came the reply from her.
‘I guess that was a yes,’ Kathryn thought. “I hope you know where you’re going because all I can see is your back,” she mumbled to herself.
“Don’t worry…I know it pretty well, besides the sun will be up soon.”
‘Damn she’s got good ears,’ thought Kathryn as she followed a few strides behind the blonde.
As the morning light increased Sam began paying closer attention to the trail and tried to avoid the reason for the whole idea of running this morning. It was kind of hard when the focus of those thoughts was running just a few paces behind her. ‘Just run Sam…you’ll figure out all the other stuff later,’ she told herself.
‘Uh oh…something’s not right here.’ she thought.The trail was beginning to become uneven. It had not been like this the last time she ran it. Noticing the ruts were getting larger, she slowed a bit.
“Oh crap!” she yelled out, coming to a complete stop and bracing herself. Kathryn wasn’t paying attention and slammed into her back. Spinning around, Sam caught her before she fell to the ground.
“Hey what’s up with the sudden stopping?” Kathryn asked as she gathered her wits and breath.
“Umm…I didn’t feel like breaking a leg,” Sam said as she pointed to the ground two feet in front of her.
Kathryn looked to where she was pointing and saw that the trail in front of them had washed out, leaving a very large and deep rut in the ground. “Whoa…good save,” she said, still trying to recover from the near fall.
“I’m sorry about the quick stop; I haven’t been on this trail since the last rain. It must have happened during it. I knew the trail felt different somehow,” Sam said with a shrug of her shoulders.
“Okay let’s walk over this part,” Kathryn said as she started down into the washout. “You must run this way a lot if the trail felt different to you,” she asked as they negotiated the washout.
“Well, I really don’t have much else to do; besides, it’s the time I use to contemplate the universe and whatnot,” Sam said with a grin to Kathryn.
“Well thanks for the save and for letting me tag along,” Kathryn replied.
“No problem; if we hurry up, we can reach my favorite spot. It has a great view for the sunrise,” Sam remarked as she started running again.
Kathryn followed after her calling out, “Well, hustle then, woman; I’m trying not to step on you as it is,” she said with a laugh.
The sound of returning laughter was heard from ahead of her and when she glanced up, she realized Sam had picked up the pace to a sprint and was leaving her behind. ‘What is she…part deer?’ she thought as she increased her pace to catch up with the blonde.
Sam had put quite a bit of distance between them, But she made sure not to let Kathryn trail to far behind. They continued for a while, when they came to a small incline Sam slowed to a stop at the top of it and waited for Kathryn to catch up. The top of the hill had a great view of the valley ahead of them especially with the first rays of the morning sun appearing from above the horizon.
“Did you bring a camera with you?” she asked as Kathryn came to a stop beside her.
“Duh…it’s what I do. I’m actually thinking of having one attached permanently to my hand, you know like Captain Hook.” She laughed as she pulled out her digital from her pack.
Sam burst out laughing at the comment. “Oh you’re just too funny,” she said as she walked over to a nearby boulder and removed her backpack.
“I try…but it’s so hard sometimes,” Kathryn, said grinning at Sam. She turned around and began to take some shots of the valley. “This is a great view, I like it,” she commented as she continued taking pictures.
“Yes; this is the halfway point. I always stop here to watch the sunrise and take a breakfast break,” Sam said as she pulled out two bottles of water and a couple of granola bars from her pack; she then looked up to watch the brunette take pictures.
Kathryn panned the landscape a few more times, snapping off a few more shots. On the last pan she turned around and brought the boulder Sam was sitting on into the viewfinder. Quickly snapping a couple of shots of the blonde, she then walked over to sit with her.
“Came prepared, didn’t you?” she asked as she climbed up next to Sam.
“Granola…breakfast of champions,” Sam said, passing a bottle of water to Kathryn, “Want one of these too?” she asked, waving a granola bar in front of Kathryn.
“No thank you; water is fine. Food and running don’t mix well for me,” she replied. “Scoot over some; you’re hogging the rock,” she said, nudging Sam to make her move.
The women sat on the boulder watching the sunrise, drinking their water, and resting for a moment. Sam sat with her eyes closed enjoying the feel of the sunshine and trying to gather her thoughts. ‘I think this is the best day I have had in a long time. Maybe Kathryn would like to go visit the ruins that were nearby or maybe go for a hike?’ Sam just had the urge to spend as much time with Kathryn as she could.
Kathryn noticed Sam sitting with her eyes closed and took the opportunity to gaze at the woman. With the eye of a photographer, she noticed how the sunlight played across her features as a small breeze ruffled her short hair. Taking her camera out, she quickly brought it up and took a few shots of Sam; she could always print some out later and give her one of them. ‘Yeah…that’s a good excuse Kat,’ she thought. She wondered if Sam knew of any more locations she could get some good shots at. She was beginning to think about working on a book of landscapes and the area would be perfect for it. ‘Not to mention it would give you an excuse for hanging around longer, now wouldn’t it, Kat?’ With that thought, she let out a small laugh.
Hearing Kathryn laugh at something, Sam opened her eyes and found her gaze meeting Kathryn’s. “Enjoying the view?” she asked.
“Yes, actually; it’s one of the most beautiful I’ve seen in a long while,” Kathryn replied with a slight grin.
Sam blushed. “I bet you say that to all the pretty girls you meet.”
“Nope…just you,” Kathryn replied as she jumped down from the boulder. “So…you want to finish this run?” she asked, changing the subject quickly.
Sam looked down at her. “Yeah we need to be moving; it’s going to be getting warm soon now that the sun is up.” She picked up the water bottles and her wrappers and put them back in her pack; putting it on, she jumped down to join Kathryn on the ground. “Ready?” she asked.
“Lead on McDuff,” Kathryn replied with a flourish of her hand.
They continued down the trail with Sam in the lead; the width of the trail varied at times so Kathryn was content to follow behind at the pace Sam was setting. However, when the trail finally widened, she decided to come up even with her and they continued side by side. They began to play a game of sorts, sprinting ahead of one another, making the other catch up.
“The stopping point is up ahead at that big rock outcrop,” Sam said as she ran even with the taller woman. “Race ya!” she called out as she took off in a burst of speed.
Kathryn yelled in surprise and began running faster, trying to catch up to Sam. She caught up to her and paced evenly with the shorter woman for a few strides. She then began to lengthen her strides, passing the blonde; turning on the speed, the distance between them grew.
“Oh crap…she’s going to beat me,” Sam muttered as she tried to catch up.
Indeed, Kathryn did beat her to the outcropping, but just barely. Both women stood hunched over trying to catch their breaths. Sam pulled off her backpack and took out the water, handing one to Kathryn who just nodded her thanks. Sam stood and pulled her jersey over her head, tying it around her waist she took a few more swallows of water and then poured the rest over her head and shoulders.
“Ahhhh…that felt good,” she said grinning at Kathryn.
“Good idea you have there.” Kathryn remarked as she pulled her jacket off and proceeded to do the same with her water. Both women just stood there with wet heads and bodies grinning at each other.
“So…do we run back the same way?” Kathryn asked as she tied her jacket around her waist.
“We can or we can go up over that rise and run back along the roadway. It is a little shorter and it’s flat the whole way back. Which way do you want to go?” Sam asked as she repacked and adjusted her pack on her back.
“We can go the short way,” Kathryn replied. “All this running is making me hungry,” she said with a laugh.
“Alright…but you have to let me cook you breakfast. I make a pretty mean omelet and since I’m the only cook around for miles, you have no reason to say no,” Sam said to the brunette.
“Yes ma’am,” replied Kathryn with a little salute.
Laughing at each other, they began the run back. Reaching the blacktop road, they began running side by side again, each keeping pace with the other. Drawing closer to the motel complex, Kathryn suddenly yelled out, “Race ya!” and took off with a burst of speed.
Sam just growled and took off after her. Nearing the complex, Kathryn slowed down and let Sam pass her. She soon reached the motel office where the blonde was hunched over trying to catch her breath.
Taking a big breath Sam looked up at her, “You let me win!” she said, shaking a finger at Kathryn.
“Nope…you beat me fair and square,” the taller woman replied in between gulps of air.
“Sure I did,” Sam replied with a grin.
“Okay…I need to take a shower now,” Kathryn said, “Do you want to meet back here and then go eat?”
“No…just come on over to the bar when you get finished. I shower pretty fast, smaller body parts.” She laughed at the taller woman and took off to her room before Kathryn could react.
“Funny…real funny,” Kathryn said to herself as she went to her room to shower.